CarMax, Inc. (KMX) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)

A side-by-side comparison of CarMax, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnKMX vs LKQ

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
KMX -0.2% (-0.0%/yr)LKQ -16.9% (-1.8%/yr)KMX compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$100$83
KMX LKQ

KMX vs LKQ: by the numbers

  • KMX is the larger company ($8.37B vs $6.54B market cap).
  • LKQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.37 vs 36.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LKQ converts more revenue to profit (3.37% vs 0.84% net margin).
  • KMX grew revenue faster over the past five years (2.39% vs 1.66% CAGR).
  • LKQ pays a dividend (4.64% yield), while KMX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKMXLKQ
P/E ratio36.6114.37
Forward P/E21.889.47
P/S ratio0.320.48
P/B ratio1.371.02
EV / EBITDAN/A8.77
FCF yield11.86%9.49%

Profitability

MetricKMXLKQ
Gross margin10.24%37.66%
Operating margin-1.85%6.79%
Net margin0.84%3.37%
ROE3.64%7.15%
ROIC-1.21%5.62%

Dividends

MetricKMXLKQ
Dividend yieldN/A4.64%
Payout ratioN/A51.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricKMXLKQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.39%1.66%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-18.18%2.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.85%-13.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-13.85%-10.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, KMX or LKQ?
LKQ has the lower trailing P/E: KMX trades at 36.61 and LKQ at 14.37. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, KMX or LKQ?
Over the past five years, KMX grew revenue faster — KMX at a 2.39% CAGR versus LKQ at 1.66%.
Does KMX or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
LKQ pays a dividend (4.64% yield), while KMX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is KMX or LKQ more profitable?
LKQ runs the higher net margin — KMX at 0.84% versus LKQ at 3.37%.
How have KMX and LKQ total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, KMX delivered -0.06% and LKQ delivered -1.91% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 20, 2026.